April 7, 2017, “Moving Up, Down and Sideways: “Succession Dynamics in Nature, Firms, and Families,” A half day presentation in the Application of Bowen Theory Series by Erik Thompson, Rosemarie Perla and Mary Jo Sonntag

April 7, 2017 – 9:00AM – 1:30PM, with registration at 8:30AM. Site: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Long Hall, Room 104. Single event fee is $75. Full series (All Application of Bowen Theory Series events) is $250. Single student/senior (65+) event fee is $40. The full series for students/seniors is $125.

PLEASE NOTE: Attendance by Zoom is an option for this presentation. Fees are the same as attending in person. If you are interested in this option, contact Rebecca Keller at [email protected] after registering.

This presentation is given by three organizational consultants with over 60 years of observing and advising a wide variety of organizations, family businesses and families in the management of the universal process of succession. Using examples from nature, organizations, and family businesses, the consultants will show how natural systems theory is applied to address the challenges leaders and consultants face during the complicated process of succession. This presentation is open to anyone with an interest in the topic but will address issues of interest to:

Members of the business community, Businesses owners, Founders, Family business owner, Succession consultants/coaches

Erik Thompson, is a leadership psychologist who has coached hundreds of senior leaders nationally through Thompson Leadership Development, Inc. He brings a 25-year study of the science of relationship leadership systems to a down-to-earth conversation about the vital challenges of people leadership and change management. Erik volunteers as the Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Family Studies and is a member of the Bowen Center’s national Network for the Advancement of Bowen Theory.

Rosemarie Perla is a Consulting Psychologist, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Founder of the Perla Group – Coaching and Consulting, LLC. She has successfully coached business owners, non-profit leaders, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and major league athletes to achieve desired life and career transformations. She inspires her clients to believe in their capacity to change and grow in order to be their best and to create the future they want. She sees her work as a means to empower leaders to positively impact the 21st century changing and diverse workplace environments.

Mary Jo Sonntag is the Director, Global Talent Management at DDI, a leadership insight and growth consultancy based in Bridgeville, PA. Mary Jo is responsible for succession management, leadership development, and performance management worldwide. She has 30 years of experience coaching and developing leaders across all levels to successfully execute their roles and achieve their potential. Mary Jo has a B.A. from Seton Hill University and an M.Ed. from The Pennsylvania State University.

Continuing Education Credits for Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors: “This program is offered for 4 hours of continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Piitsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and, therefore, a PA pre-approved provider of social work continuing education. These credit hours satisfy LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT biennial license renewal. For information on social work continuing education call 412-624-3711.” Fee is $20.

Continuing Education Credits for Psychologists:Allegheny General Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Allegheny General Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 4 CEs, Fee is $35.”The information presented in this CE offering reflects the opinion of the presenter. Open to all, it is especially intended for those newer to Bowen theory. As with all science, there may be multiple explanations for the data and multiple reasonable conclusions. Program content has obtained credibility, as demonstrated by the involvement of the broader psychological practice, education, and science communities in studying or applying the findings, procedures, practices, or theoretical concepts.

The goal is that the participants will be able to describe how natural systems theory can be applied to address the challenges leaders and consultants face during the complicated process of succession in organizations, family businesses and families.